Vet Tix Launches First Responder Program

Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a national nonprofit that has provided 5 million free event tickets to 900,000 veterans of all eras, currently serving military and their families since 2008, is now launching 1st Tix, seeking to provide the same service to the nation’s first responders, including current and retired law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs.

The country’s first responders, a dedicated group of individuals, total over 1 million firefighters, 1 million law enforcement officers and 250,000 EMTs.In an effort to honor and support those who serve and protect, 1st Tix will offer free tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, family activities and more across the nation. More than 30 percent of first responders have been diagnosed with a behavior health disorder, like depression and PTSD, with 84 percent citing that they’ve encountered trauma on the job. The purpose of these events is to reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, create positive memories, and encourage first responders to stay engaged with the communities they serve by providing affordable access to events.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to begin serving this community,” said Michael Focareto, Veteran Tickets Foundation founder and CEO. “We’ve seen an excellent response from the veteran and military community over the past ten years and received hundreds of thousands of testimonials that attest to the power of community and family connection in relieving stress. Our goal is to provide that same relief to our first responders, who also encounter stress and trauma and work to keep our families and communities safe each and every day.”

To receive tickets, first responders sign up at www.1sttix.org, verify their eligibility and request tickets to events that interest them. All requests are filtered through the site’s lottery system, and those who win will pay a small delivery fee to claim their tickets.